Daily Tribune‘This operation demonstrates our unwavering dedication to President Marcos’ directive to protect our borders and the rule of law. Foreign nationals who commit crimes, misuse our hospitality, and take advantage of our systems will face harsh consequences.’
Photo courtesy of the Bureau of Immigration
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported Friday the arrest of 31 foreign nationals in Makati suspected of involvement in internet scamming operations. The raid is part of the government’s intensified efforts against transnational crime and foreign syndicates.
In a statement, the BI said that the the operation aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to safeguard national security and prevent the Philippines from becoming a base for global cybercrime.
According to BI Intelligence Division (BIID) chief Fortunato Manahan Jr., raid occurred Monday night on the 11th floor of a commercial building on Ayala Avenue in Makati City. Agents discovered numerous foreigners working at computer stations allegedly used for fraudulent activities targeting individuals overseas.
Manahan said the 31 individuals arrested include 24 Chinese, three Malaysians, two Taiwanese, and two from Myanmar. All have been tagged as undesirable after authorities determined they were working in violation of their visa conditions.
The BI also cited that the company’s office attempted to conceal its illicit activities by displaying the name of a well-known insurance company at the building’s entrance.
Manahan stated that all the arrested foreign nationals are currently detained at the Bureau’s Warden Facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City, pending further investigation and deportation proceedings.
BI commissioner Atty. Joel Anthony Viado stressed that the arrests send a clear message that the Philippines will not be exploited as a safe haven for foreign-led cybercrime.
“This operation demonstrates our unwavering dedication to President Marcos’s directive to protect our borders and the rule of law. Foreign nationals who commit crimes, misuse our hospitality, and take advantage of our systems will face harsh consequences,” Viado said.
